So I have an 02 Nissan Altima 3.5L that doesn't start right away. When I turn the key in the ignition I hear a single click. Dashlights come on fine just replaced the battery. CONT...

10

Asked by AlexRod Mar 15, 2015 at 11:04 PM about the 2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

It does start after a while. In order for
it to start I have to turn the key to the
position where/when I hear the click
and turn it back and forth (making it
click multiple times rapidly).
Eventually the engine cranks and it
starts. Yet sometimes it starts just
like new and other times it starts after
several attempts with my previously
stated method. Just want to add that
it happens when it's cold and hot
outside. If I had to guess with how I
need to start it I would say it has to do
with creating some sort of spark but I
really don't know a lot about cars yet
so I might be very wrong. -Alex

4 Answers

10

Oil was in 3 of the 6 spark plug wells so I changed the valve cover and spark plugs and it started more consistently, but still occasionally had the issue. Figured out my starter was heatsoaked and caused it to have trouble starting the car when the engine was hot. Replaced the starter and now it's starting great.

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